Barça not worried about Messi fleeing tax mess

Barcelona are confident that Leo Messi won't be tempted to do a runner at the end of the upcoming season, despite finding himself bogged down in tax issues. The Argentinian star and his father may have to stand trial shortly over the fraud investigation that has been hanging over the forward's head for some time.

The club's vice-president for finance, Javier Faus, insisted that the club will "be there" to "help [Messi] in any way possible" in relation to the three charges of tax evasion being pressed against Messi Sr. and Jr. by a judge in Gavá, near Barcelona.

"Messi is very well supported by his family and the [Barça] president is also keeping an eye out. We're not afraid of him leaving", Faus said during the presentation of the club's accounts for the 2013-14 season.

These comments come in the wake of the decision by the judge dealing with the case to forge ahead with the proceedings, despite the public prosecutor having recommended that the charges be dropped. A 10-day deadline has now been set for the Public Prosecutor's Office and Spanish Tax Office to move for the pint-sized wizard and his father to be tried or for the case to be dismissed.